A 25k ticket just for a café? This play by Yogyakarta's 'Chicken Church'... I'm speechless
qponx
2026-03-05
Is a café worth an entrance fee? Discover Kedai Bukit Rhema at Yogyakarta's famous "Chicken Church." While the 25k ticket might seem unusual, it unlocks breathtaking 360-degree mountain views overlooking Borobudur. Your ticket even includes a surprisingly delicious portion of fried cassava. The local food, especially the Nasi Goreng, is a standout, but be prepared for slow service. This spot is more about the incredible scenery, with the food being a delightful bonus for those with time to chill.
Friends, can you believe it? I came all the way to the famous "Chicken Church" (Gereja Ayam) near Borobudur, originally just wanting to find a place to grab a coffee and Nongkrong for a bit, but the security guard at the entrance stopped me: "Ticket, please."
I was stunned... You have to buy an attraction ticket just to go to a cafe? Plus, the road from the parking lot to the mountaintop is so steep it feels like a climbing exercise. You either have to huff and puff your way up yourself, or you have to pay extra for their shuttle bus[1]. Anjay! This whole setup was a real eye-opener for me.
Incredible scenery, and the food was surprisingly good too?
Honestly, when I arrived at the summit, out of breath (even though I took the shuttle), and walked into this Kedai Bukit Rhema, all my previous little complaints instantly vanished. The 360-degree, unobstructed mountain view was right in my face. You could see Borobudur and Mount Merapi clearly in the distance. The view is truly Mantap[2]!
After sitting down, I found out the entrance ticket could be exchanged for a free portion of fried cassava (Singkong Goreng)[3]. I thought it would just be a throwaway freebie, but it was surprisingly delicious with their chili sauce, crispy and crunchy. I also ordered an Indonesian fried rice (Nasi Goreng)[4] and Javanese noodles (Mi Jawa)[5], thinking, well, it's a tourist spot restaurant, so I didn't expect much. But... huh? The taste was unexpectedly good! Especially the fried rice, it had that amazing 'wok hei' and was more fragrant than what I've had in some fancy restaurants in the city!
But let's not get ahead of ourselves, there are downsides to mention too
Although the views and some of the food were a pleasant surprise, this place isn't perfect. First off, the service is really slow... It wasn't even that crowded when I went, but I still waited almost half an hour for one plate of fried rice[6], and the ice in my drink had almost completely melted. If you're a tourist in a hurry, you should really think twice.
Secondly, taste is a very subjective thing. My friends at the next table complained that their food was mediocre and the portions were a bit small[7], which was a letdown compared to the stunning scenery. So, ordering might require a bit of luck. I'd recommend sticking to the local dishes and avoiding any weird Western food options.
A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls, you're welcome!
Finally, for the girls planning to visit, here are a few tips in plain English:
Overall, this place is more like a "viewing deck that comes with a restaurant." For this view, I think the entrance fee wasn't a waste of money. Would you pay for this view? Let's chat in the comments
- 💰 Tickets & Transportation: The entrance fee is 25k IDR[8], and the shuttle is 10-15k one-way. It's best to have cash ready, as the signal on the mountain is poor and card payments can sometimes fail[9]. Don't be cheap on the shuttle fare; you'll regret it if you try to climb that road yourself.
- ⏰ Time Management: Be mentally prepared to wait up to an hour for your food. You come here to Chill, so impatient people should stay away.
- 🍴 Ordering Recommendations: Go for the Indonesian fried rice or Javanese noodles without a second thought; you can't really go wrong with them. Don't forget to redeem your free fried cassava!
- 📍 Best Photo Spots: You have to go upstairs! The spots upstairs or by the window outdoors are the prime locations for the view[10] and are amazing for photos. But some areas don't have fans and can get a bit hot, so you'll have to weigh your options.
- Hike or shuttle up for stunning 360° mountain views of Borobudur & Mt. Merapi. Worth it! [1][2]
- Who knew a tourist spot could serve this? The smoky Indonesian fried rice has incredible *wok hei*—better than city spots! [3]
- Your ticket includes free fried cassava (Singkong Goreng) [4]. Crispy and served with a special chili sauce.
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